mercy

noun (plural mercies) Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French merci, from Medieval Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise Date: 13th century 1. a. compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also lenient or compassionate treatment <

begged for mercy

> b. imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder 2. a. a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion b. a fortunate circumstance <

it was a mercy they found her before she froze

> 3. compassionate treatment of those in distress <

works of mercy among the poor

> • mercy adjective Synonyms: mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it <

threw himself on the mercy of the court

>. charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others <

show a little charity for the less fortunate

>. clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing <

the judge refused to show clemency

>. grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions <

by the grace of God

>. leniency implies lack of severity in punishing <

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

>.